Iran on the up, Argentina take bronze

FIFA - Iran's path to the final was nothing short of extraordinary and confirmed their status as Asia's leading futsal nation. Despite a defeat against Slovenia, they finished top of Group B courtesy of wins over Paraguay and Uzbekistan. But the best was yet to come, as Hossein Shams' protégés proceeded to overpower Uruguay and Argentina in turn, before eventually coming unstuck against the host nation in the final.

"I must pay tribute to my players. We've drawn some important conclusions with a view to the challenges we'll be facing over the coming months," explained the Iranian technician after the final. The Iranians relied principally on the twin threat of Kazem Mohamadi (joint-second top scorer with 7 goals) and Ahmad Pariazar (four goals).

The tournament also proved to be a positive experience for Argentinian coach Fernando Larranaga, whose astute blend of youth and experience yielded a creditable third-place finish. Despite the severe disappointment of the semi-final loss to Iran, the Albicelestes were able to pick themselves up to see off Hungary and claim the last place on the podium.

"We have a young squad which has succeeded in its aim of playing high-quality futsal. We will always be ready to respond to a call-up to the squad, as it's our job," declared the pivot Gustavo Vaporaki, scorer of four goals against Hungary and six in the tournament as a whole. Also worthy of note were the fine displays of their No 1 Santiago Elias, the goalkeeper with the tournament's second-best defensive record, and the pivot Martín Amas (six goals).

Other pleasant memories include the firepower of the Magyar marvel Tamas Lodi (four goals against Argentina and six overall), along with the impressive showing of Belgium (fifth) and Slovenia (sixth), while the main disappointments were provided by Paraguay, third at the 2007 Pan-American Games. The big question? Will Uruguay be able to put things right in time for Brazil 2008?

First phase
Group A: Brazil 9 points, Belgium 6, Mozambique 3, Canada 0
Group B: Iran 6 points, Slovenia 5, Uzbekistan 4, Paraguay 1
Group C: Argentina 6 points, Egypt 3, Chile 0 *
Group D: Hungary 7, Uruguay 4, Netherlands 3, Angola 1

*Peru were disqualified after playing one match

Second phase

Quarter-finals
Iran 6-3 Uruguay
Hungary 3-1 Slovenia
Argentina 2-1 (a.e.t.) Belgium
Brazil 7-3 Egypt

Fifth to eighth place
Uruguay 1-4 Belgium
Egypt 2-4 (a.e.t.) Slovenia

Semi-finals
Iran 3-2 Argentina
Brazil 5-2 Hungary

Sevent/eighth place
Uruguay 5-2 Egypt

Fifth/sixth place
Belgium 4-1 Slovenia

Third/fourth place
Hungary 4-5 (a.e.t.) Argentina

Final
Brazil 4-0 Iran